Sprint Wireless Air Card & Internet Service

[Commander Gray]

Hello, I would like some advice on Sprint's Wireless Internet service. I have a laptop and with my business need to go mobile. I tried a USB cable with software with my Sprint Phone, but it's not working. Have talked with Tech support that sells the USB cable & software. He did try to help me, but finally gave up and said that Sprint could be blocking me from accessing the internet that way. He said some of the newer phones have been updated to block this sort of connection. Though, the local Sprint dealer I do business with openly suggests getting a USB cable for my laptop.

Since I signed up with Sprint recently for another 2 years for cell service, I'm thinking of getting an air card and signing up with Sprint's Broadband Wireless Internet for $59.99 a month which includes a free air card. I looked at Verizon, but they would charge me to buy the air card, plus about $79.99 a month because I don't have cell service with them. Does anyone know if the price of this service will go down over time? Either with Sprint or Verizon?

Obviously the USB cable is the cheaper route, but I'm not having any luck with that working for me. And I really like Sprint, and would like to stick with them. Any suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated!

[WirelessBeachBum]

First question are you in EVDO areas for Sprint and Verizon?

If you just want 1xrtt from Verizon that plan is $59.99, you are correct that it does require a voice line to get the $59.99 EVDO capable plan.

Sprint has had issues with tethering connections since they launched Vision, because they couldn't regulate it they stopped selling USB cables in their local stores.

Verizon isn't fond of customers using EVDO by USB either, in fact the Moto data cables will not connect to the e815.

Verizon is beginning to embrace tethering, this week they launched their New Blackberry which they will allow tethering. And plans are for more phones in the near future.

EVDO is a premium service, and neither carrier is really willing to go too crazy with the price plans just yet.

[Commander Gray]

Thank for the info BeachBum.

I stopped by my local Sprint store today and chatted with a very good rep. I was able to get a free air card because of a deal I saw online. I mentioned it to him, but he wasn't familiar with it. He went and talked to the manager, then he came out and said it was okay to give a free air card.

I'm not sure I would've signed up right away if they didn't offer a 14 day return guarantee. He said for me to try it out and see what I think. Yes, it's the EVDO. I live in the Central Florida area and he told me that the coverage areas for the high speed broadband will improve by January 2006. I guess some major things will be done by then for very good coverage all over Central FL. I told him speed wasn't a big deal for me, I just need to get hooked up. LOL!

A few hours ago I installed the software and the aircard. It was super easy and I'm already connected. Very happy so far.

The only draw back is the higher monthly payment, but the info I get while on the road will pay off big time. I dropped PCS vision on my phone, so that saved me $10 a month.

Thank you for your response. The info helped me with my decision. I've been doing loopy loops for the past few weeks trying to get that USB cable working.

Going with the air card seems to be the right choice.